Thug set friend on fire in row over crack pipe leaving him with 'agonising' burns

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A drug user set his friend on fire using a butane gas canister and a knife - all because he had used his crack pipe. Craig Dowding, 34, was sentenced to ten years in prison for two horrific attacks dubbed "gratuitous" and "extreme". ‌

A court heard how Dowding and his victim, Robert Eddington, lived near each other and became friends. Things soured, however, as they socialised at the victim's home on May 14 when Dowding took offence at Mr Eddington using his crack pipe . ‌

Dowding punched Mr Eddington dozens of times before picking up a butane gas canister, piercing it with a knife, and squirting it at the victim's lap. He then used a lighter and set fire to his neighbour's hands and face, Cardiff Crown Court heard. ‌

Mr Eddington was seriously injured